General Rules for Students
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Students are expected to be ready and waiting prior to the start of their class.
More than 15 minutes late, permission from teacher to enter is required
Dancers should be dressed appropriately for class. Proper attire produces greater
results in class. Dress for success!
No talking is allowed in class unless it is part of the educational process.
No gum, glass or food is permitted in studios.
Water is the only liquid allowed in studios.
Dance shoes are not to be worn outside the building.
Students may not take pointe class without having a technique class prior.
Students being disrespectful to the teacher (arguing back, rolling eyes, and
stomping feet) will be asked to leave and may be suspended.
Students are expected to pick up after themselves. Take pride in the studio!
Students are asked to conduct themselves in a controlled and quiet manner in the
hallways so that they do not disrupt on going classes.
Please, no leaning or hanging on dance barres.
Please label all of your belongings.
All items (clothing, shoes …) left behind will be put in the “Lost and Found” and
later donated to Goodwill.
Parent Expectations
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Est. 1999
Parent and Student Handbook
Read the Handbook, Important Dates Page, and check the LMDS bulletin board!
Check out our new website! www.lifemovesdance.com
Find us and Like us on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-Moves-DanceStudio/142028549143407 to get updates or to ask questions.
Call the office if your child is sick or unable to attend class or rehearsal.
It is Parent’s responsibility to obtain necessary information about upcoming events.
Please feel free to ask office staff or any instructor at Life Moves for details.
No unsupervised children are allowed in the lobby. Make proper arrangements.
Help us keep your child safe by instructing him or her to wait inside the building.
Parent’s should wait in the lobby & make an appointment to speak with the teacher
to avoid class interruption.
Attendance/Tardiness and Make up Classes
Attendance is taken every class. Please inform the office if you know that
your child will be missing class. Missed classes due to sickness, vacation, or other
incidents may be made up within the year. Students may make up classes in a like or
lower level class. Please inform the office of your intent to take a makeup class
before hand.
SAWMILL PLAZA
10747 HWY 144, RICHMOND HILL, GA 31324
Holidays
Please check the LMDS “Important Dates” handout for studio closings.
We hope you have a GREAT year at Life Moves Dance Studio!
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OFFICE:
TERESA:
FACEBOOK:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
912-756-8482
912-667-6258
LIFE MOVES DANCE STUDIO
LIFEMOVESINFO@GMAIL.COM
WWW.LIFEMOVESDANCE.COM
Purpose of Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to provide helpful information to parents and students
concerning Life Moves Dance Studio (LMDS). The handbook contains answers to many of the most
frequently asked questions about the school and it is recommended that you read this handbook carefully
and completely as we believe it will greatly enhance the communication between you and the dance
studio.
Scholarship Program
We offer limited barter opportunities and /or discounts to students
currently enrolled in class requiring financial assistance. This program is intended to
teach the student that the work they perform for LMDS is of value and shows good
work ethic. Please see an office staff member for more details.
Mission, Motto, and Vision
Mission
Life Moves Dance Studio is committed to encouraging individuals to utilize the gifts
God has bestowed upon them to minister to others and glorify Him.
Motto
Performance Opportunities
Seafood Festival
United Methodist BBQ
Richmond Hill Chili Cook off
Fall Performance
Christmas Parade
Dance Competitions
Station Xchange
Magnolia Manor
Easter Extravaganza
Spring Recital
“In Him we live and move and have our being”…Acts 17:28
Spring Recital Information
Vision
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LMDS uses dance as an outward expression of our faith and commitment to Christ.
LMDS uses dance and artistic creativity to positively impact the community and
surrounding areas.
The staff at LMDS nurtures the whole being of the dancer, including technical
training, in addition to spiritual growth.
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Why take dance lessons?
People of all ages will find value in taking dance lessons. Ballet lessons are a
wonderful way for children and adults to reap the health benefits of dance, as well as learn
self-discipline and body control. The health benefits of taking ballet classes are endless. Ballet
is a form of exercise that requires the dancer to work many of the major muscle groups at
once. Ballet lessons also promote strength and flexibility, as many of the traditional steps of
ballet require strong, limber bodies. Balance is also a benefit of ballet lessons, as ballet
dancers must learn how to properly control every part of their bodies while holding perfect
posture. Ballet lessons also help to foster a positive self-image in both, children and adults.
Taking ballet lessons can enforce self-confidence, self-discipline, poise and grace. A child
introduced to dance at an early age will likely develop a love of the arts and passion for
rhythm and movement. Come join us because your quest for a lifetime of beauty and
fulfillment begins here!
Scriptural Commitment
At Life Moves Dance Studio we vow to continue to present scripture and to model
godly characteristics as we teach the students dance and life skills. We incorporate this by
using music, dance, and knowledge by our staff. Everything our staff does expresses the love
towards our heavenly father God. This commitment is a promise from us to God and all
classes are a part of this.
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A costume form (measurements) will be made for each person performing
in the Spring Recital.
A costume bundle must be purchased and paid by the due date. Parent(s)
of the student will be required to sign the costume form acknowledging
participation and said fees, therefore stating their commitment to the
LMDS performance.
A non-refundable performance fee of $40/$80 must be paid by the due
date.
All fees and tuition must be current for participation in the Spring Recital.
Class Attire
Ballet (female) - Girls taking ballet are required to wear pink ballet shoes and pink
tights. Hair must be worn back in a bun. For girls whose hair is not long enough to
go up in a bun, the hair must be worn away from the face. Warm up clothing may be
worn when it is cold, but teachers reserve the right to request they be taken off.
Ballet (male) – Boys in ballet are required to wear black ballet shoes, black jazz
pants, and a white t-shirt.
Jazz - Jazz sneakers or shoes are required. Recommended dance attire is leotard,
tights, jazz pants, and a fitted t-shirt.
Tap – Tap shoes are mandatory. Recommended dance attire includes leotard, tights,
dance pant, and fitted t-shirts.
Hip Hop – Dance sneakers, dance pants and loose fitted shirt.
Tumbling/Acro- Boys – shorts and t-shirt and black jazz shoes or bare foot.
Girls – shorts and tank top, leotard and jazz shoes or bare foot.
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Registration
Each student must fill out basic information and a liability waiver before taking class. (Life
Moves has a “try a class for Free” policy) Registration is available in the office or online.
Tuition will not be pro-rated.
Tuition Policy
Payments required upon registration
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All registration fees are non-refundable: $35 per one (1) new student per year or a
$50 fee for two (2) or more students per year.
For returning LMDS student, by registering prior to summer classes one will receive
a discount on his or her registration fee.
Parents with poor payment history are required to pay three (3) months tuition
deposit at the time of registration.
Anyone holding an overdue balance will be ineligible for any discounts.
Payment Options
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Payments are due on the 1st of each month, beginning in August, regardless of
starting date. Example: If you started on the 22nd of a month, your next tuition is still
due on the 1st of the following month.
For Semester, two equal payments, one at registration and the final payment at the
end of the first month of each semester (August and/or January).
Yearly, one payment, due in full at time of registration.
Fees
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A $25 fee is charged for any checks returned for insufficient funds.
A $35/$50 non-refundable registration fee.
A $10 late fee will be assessed for payments not received by the end of the 1 st week
of each month regardless of holidays. Please plan accordingly!
Recital Bundle paid in full or installments between September-December for the
Spring Performance includes Recital Fee of $40, ($80 family) costume(s) 2 tickets,
trophy, DVD, and a Photo of your child. (Participation in performance is
recommended, not mandatory.)
Withdrawal Policy
If one decides to discontinue taking classes for any reason, a written
notification of withdrawal is necessary. Please speak with the teacher, office staff,
and Miss Teresa before withdrawal of a student.
Refunds
About us…the studio, the director, the future
Life Moves Dance Studio (LMDS) opened in the fall of 1999 under the direction of
Teresa Merritt. LMDS stresses the joy of dancing and the well-being of each student. Dance
technique and performance in our community is strongly encouraged to build a solid
foundation on which each dancer can continue to grow as an artist and individual.
Teresa Merritt began her dance training in New Orleans at the age of 5. She studied
the methods of Dorothy Vose, Al Gilbert, Karen Hebert and Harvey Hysell. Her formal
training continued and was enhanced by many workshops and conferences including Dance
Educators of America, in New York and L.A. She also has danced with the New Orleans
Ballet Company and a jazz dance company, Crescent City Movin’ Co.
LMDS is continuously expanding by offering new classes and new teaching staffs.
Miss Teresa is always looking to bring high quality dance to the surrounding areas. Teresa
envisions the growth of LMDS and impacting our community and giving opportunities to
those interested in the performing arts. Dancers at LMDS have performed pieces such as
Scrooge, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, You are Special, The Kingdom, Esther and most recent,
Beauty and the Beast.
LMDS brings together the highest quality of dance and entertainment while
including all dancers to produce professional performances. It is the goal to bring an
understanding and appreciation of performing arts to our community and surrounding areas.
Competition Team
August 2011, LMDS’ first Competition Team was established. Our Competition
Team was created for dancers who “live, eat, drink, and breathe” dance, and who regard dance
as their most important extra-curricular activity. Our Competition Team members are chosen
by audition. We hold auditions after our Spring Dance Recital. Check the “Important Dates”
handout for audition dates. There is a $20.00 audition fee to be a part of the LMDS
competition team.
Team positions are available by audition, and depends on age and level of each
dancer. The teacher preserves the right to place your child in the appropriate category and
group, according to his or her decision, without explanation to parents. These decisions are
made from many years of teaching experience. All staff members are passionate about our
competition program, and all decisions are made in the best interests of the dancers.
Inappropriate and demeaning parent and/or student comments will not be tolerated. Rules and
policies are discussed at the beginning of each season, and everyone must comply. Failure to
do so, will result in an immediate removal of the student from the competition team. At the
beginning of each competition year, an outline will be created to clearly explain all
expectations put forth for all dancers and parents involved in this program.
Our Competition Team competes in the following categories: Jazz, Tap,
Contemporary/Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and other varieties. The minimum age to
join our competition team is eight (8) years. LMDS competes at different group sizes (solos,
duos, trios, small groups, and large groups). If selected, congratulations on being part of our
competition team!
LMDS has a NO REFUND policy!
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Classes at Life Moves Dance Studio
Creative Movement/Tap/Tumbling – 2-4 years
Creative Movement is a great way to introduce your preschooler to the joy of
dance. In this class your child will use props such as ribbons, scarves, clouds and dolls to
express themselves through movement. Basic ballet terms and steps are introduced weekly.
Skills such as cooperation with others and following directions are developed as concentration
is increased.
Tap will teach different rhythms and sounds through basic technique, such as
shuffle, gallop, and boogie woogie.
Tumbling improves balance, flexibility, strength and coordination. Basic skills such
as forward roll, handstand, back bend and cartwheel are introduced. .
Pre-Ballet/Grade 1 Tap – 3-5 years
Pre-Ballet classes nurture your child's interest in dance, while increasing
coordination, concentration levels, cooperation, flexibility and ability to follow instructions.
Students are given individual attention and guidance. Classes often incorporate Free Dance to
give children the opportunity for self-expression, but the building blocks that prepare children
for the structure of a ballet class are foremost in the class syllabus. Five year olds with no prior
dance experience take this class.
Ballet1/Grade 2 Tap/Jazz – 5-7 years
Ballet 1 classes build upon the concepts taught in Pre-Ballet. Students are
challenged to meet criteria that build coordination, and physical fitness. Attention span is
increased, also spatial awareness and cooperation with others -- all in a fun learning
environment. Music plays an important role in learning exercises. Increased fundamentals of
ballet technique are introduced as the class is ready. Five year olds with at least one year prior
dance experience can take this class.
Tap 2 Grade syllabus by Al Gilbert is used for barre, center, and across the floor.
Jazz is the introduction to stretching, strengthening and balance exercise, as well as
across the floor and center combination.
Ballet 2 (Mon, Wed & Sat) – 8 years and up
Ballet 2 syllabus introduces the history and concepts of classical ballet. Barre work
incorporates learning and mastering ballet alignment, core strength, muscle strength and
stamina, flexibility and working with music. Exercises are built upon in center floor work,
incorporating coordination and musicality. As students’ progress, moving combinations
include turns and jumps across the floor, as well as increasing coordination between arms and
legs and eventually head positions.
Ballet 3 (Tuesday) – 11 and up
Ballet 3 syllabus encompasses the basics of alignment, coordination of arms and
legs, working with music (counting phrases and recognizing different meters), how to be
prepared for class, protocol in the studio as it relates to classical ballet training, stretches, and
strengthening exercises, how to focus on the instructor and the work at hand, as well as the
execution combinations of steps that increase memory and understanding along with physical
skills. The dancer will gain the ability to understand the basic concepts that are required. Barre
and center work are both practiced.
Ballet 4 (Monday &Thursday) – 14 and up
Ballet 4 syllabus increases work with one hand on the barre, begins adding head
positions with simple exercises and begins to challenge the students further in coordination,
strength, alignment, understanding of new concepts, musicality, length of exercises, and
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retaining corrections from one lesson to the next. Level 4 students work further on flow
between movements and carriage, and demands are placed on them to retain their basic
alignment and technical skills as combinations of steps increase in difficulty. Students are
introduced to reversing steps and combinations of steps.
Pointe – 11 years and up
Pointe students who are placed in Ballet level 2 or higher may begin taking pointe
class with the permission of their teacher. Students begin at the barre and perform exercises
designed to increase strength in the feet and lower legs. As the students increase in technical
ability on pointe, they will be given more difficult exercises at barre and in center.
Tap
Our Tap classes incorporate the Al Gilbert Graded Tap Syllabus and Rhythm Tap.
The syllabus begins with Primary Tap and goes through to Grade 7. Rhythm, style, tricks and
classic movement are incorporated. This dance style is fun for dancers of all ages and levels!
Musical Theatre – 6 years and up
Musical Theatre students learn voice, acting, singing, and dancing! This is a great
intro class if you have a desire to perform in musicals or theatrical performances. A variety of
theatre games, tongue twisters, and acting skills will be taught. A “Head Shot” and resume
will be created for each student. MT will have a separate performance in the Spring.
Ballroom – any age level
Ballroom lessons include various forms of dance that everyone can use at weddings,
reunions, parties, etc. Some of the styles taught will be Fox Trot, Waltz, Cha Cha, and Swing.
No prior experience necessary.
Lyrical/Jazz/Contemporary – 10 years and up
Lyrical/Jazz/Contemporary class begins with stretching, strengthening and
flexibility exercises followed by across the floor and center technique. Various styles of
interpretive, contemporary, and musical jazz are touched on throughout the year and energetic
combinations of steps will be taught.
Hip Hop (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) – 6 years and up
Each Hip Hop class teaches a fast-paced, high-energy style dance. Class consists of
warm up, strength and stretching exercises, turns, jumps, tricks, freezes, and of course the
latest moves on the dance scene. Center floor dance combinations are taught to current pop
and hip hop music. Must wear dance sneakers!
Workshop classes – 6 years and up
Workshops include a variety of classes such as ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary,
hip-hop, and sometimes classes focusing on stretching and strengthening. The purpose of a
workshop is to help develop the dancer's skills in a variety of areas, and also to expose the
dancer to new and different styles helping him or her to become more mature in dance.
Teen/Adult Ballet – 13 and up
Taking an Adult Ballet class is good for your body as well as your mind. This
introductory class provides a welcoming and friendly class for adults with no prior experience.
In this level you will learn the basic positions and concepts of Ballet with exercises at the
barre and in the center. A great full body workout!
Tumbling/Acrobatics/Stunts/Tricks – 6 years and up
Tumbling/Acro class teaches students fundamental acrobatic and tumbling moves
that are performed on gym mats. This class is strictly floor work and does not perform any
gymnastics with bars or beams. Sample moves include front & back rolls, headstands,
backbends, cartwheels, walkovers, back handsprings, etc. Class format will focus on building
core strength and flexibility while acquiring valuable skills that can be easily transferred to
dance.
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